Dwarka: The preparations for one of the biggest in-house Durga puja in Dwarka are at their peak. Dakshinayan Apartments, Sector 4, is home to one of the biggest communities of Bengalis in Dwarka, who has been organising Durga puja for the past 20 years in their society premises. The construction of the Pandal in Dakshinayan Society started on the night of September 16 and is estimated to be completed by September 29 (Panchami). While the pandal is being constructed by the workers of Delhi, a special bamboo structure is also being prepared by artisans from Kolkata.
A particular theme has always been a vital part of puja Pandals, however, the puja committee of Dakshinayan Apartments have decided to not go with any theme. "The theme also comes with a cost. When you follow a theme, a good amount of money and time is required to execute it," says Prabir Ghosh, chief convener of Dakshinayan Puja Samiti and the resident of Dakshinayan Apartments. He also added that due to corona, they have lost a lot of society residents, so they wanted to keep their pandal simple but elegant and decided not to go with a theme.
The grand Durga Murti for Dakshinayan Durga Puja is being prepared in West Delhi Kalibari. The 6 feet high idol of Goddess Durga will arrive in the pandal on September 28, 2022. The background structure, also known as 'Mukut' will be 9 feet tall. The platform where the idol will be placed is also raised by 2 feet.
While talking about the immersion of Durga Murti, Prabir Ghosh says, "Immersion is a very big issue here. National Green Tribunal has stopped us from immersing the idols in the Yamuna this year. But after a request from SDMC, we have finally got a place where we can immerse the Durga idol. In Sector 6 DDA grounds, a pit hole will be dug in which the idols will be immersed."
During Durga Puja, there will be stalls for shopping and food. A stage is also being prepared for cultural activities. Apart from this, there is an arrangement of a sitting area for 'bhog'. Chefs are especially being called from Kolkata for the last four days of Durga Puja to cook authentic Bengali cuisine. "We Bengalis are fond of 'adda' where we can sit and gossip. We have arranged a spot near the food area to sit and have a gala time" says Prabir. Pure Vegetarian food will be served till the 'Vinay Dashmi'. As the immersion of the idol will be done, non-vegetarian food will be prepared for dinner. One will have to buy coupons to enjoy the food. The menu for every day will be different. "If you want to enjoy 'Khichuri', 'Labra', 'Chattni', 'Papad' and 'Beguni' then you can join us on October 2, 2022, on Saptami," says Prabir. Dhaaki (Dhol) and Kashor Ghanta are also specially sourced from Kolkata to be played during the aarti of Goddess Durga. The festivity will start with Anand Mela (Friday, September 30), where community women will bring home-cooked food and sell it through specially made stalls.
Ashtami, which will fall on October 3, 2022 will be a cultural evening with 'Dhunuchi Naach'. On October 5, all the women will celebrate the 'Vijay Dashmi' with Sindoor Khela in the morning.
According to the committee members, they are expecting a huge footfall every day, for which, proper security arrangements will be in place.